United Kingdom - UK Study Visa

The UK has a long and proud tradition of education, with some of its universities having roots in the 12th and 13th centuries.

UK academic standards are among the best in the world

The UK offers a diverse and flexible range of courses in globally ranked institutions.

Courses in the UK education system are shorter and more intensive than many other countries, so you will graduate sooner without compromising quality. This will save you time and money in tuition fees and living costs.

Universities are monitored closely to ensure that they uphold the highest standards of teaching, learning and research. They also work hard to ensure a safe, caring and supportive environment for all international students.

Quality institutions

The quality of UK universities and colleges is assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Research standards are examined by the four UK higher education funding bodies, who publish their findings every five years.

The UK has the second highest number of universities ranked in the top 100 by the 2013-2014 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

Links to Europe

The UK is an ideal base from which to explore the history and culture of Europe. Low-cost airlines operate from UK airports and international students from many countries may be able to apply for an EU Schengen visa to allow short trips across 24 countries in Europe on a UK visa.

Education system in the United Kingdom

With an outstanding international reputation, the UK education system offers an excellent standard, a wide range of English language, pathway, undergraduate (bachelor) and postgraduate courses and fantastic teaching facilities.

English language schools and pathway providers offer pre-university preparation either through English language courses or foundation-level courses. These can help you to achieve entry to university or to prepare for university-level studies in the UK. Additionally, English language schools offer stand-alone courses for students wishing to improve their English for personal, academic or business reasons.

Undergraduate (bachelor) degrees in the UK are essential for many top-level careers and are normally studied over three years in England and Wales and four years in Scotland. They are mainly taught degrees, with teaching varying in format but usually taking place in large group lectures and small group tutorials.

Postgraduate degrees in the UK can be academic or focused on a particular industry you are looking to enter. You will generally need to have achieved an undergraduate (bachelor) degree or equivalent to be accepted into a postgraduate course.

There are two types of postgraduate study:

– Postgraduate Taught (such as master’s by coursework) are usually one year in length.

– Postgraduate Research (such as PhDs) can be three or more years in length.

Cost of studying

Studying in the UK offers excellent value for money and although the UK is sometimes thought of as expensive, the reality is quite different

Shorter courses

Courses in the UK are often shorter and more intensive than in other countries. This will help you to save on tuition fees and living costs.

Course fees may cover a range of things you might not expect, including library access, sports, student union membership, and other practical facilities.

Part-time employment opportunities

If you enter the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, you may be able to work a certain number of hours per week during term time and in the holiday/vacation period. If you go to the UK on a student visitor visa, child visitor visa, or prospective student visa, you will not be eligible to work in the UK. For the latest detailed information visit: the UKBA website.

Access to discounts

As a full-time student in higher education you will have access to a National Union of Students (NUSA), card which gives a range of discounts on study essentials, travel, entertainment, clothes, food and drink, shopping and more. Student rail (train) and coach (long distance bus) cards can provide excellent discounts.

Visa requirements for the UK

Applying to live, work or study in the UK? Go with IELTS

If you make a visa application to stay or move to the UK, you need to be aware of changes made by United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

In addition to the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic tests, which you may already know of, a new test called IELTS Life Skills will be introduced.

Changes in the UK government policy will be effective from 6 April 2015. If you have taken a test before or on 5 April 2015, the result can be submitted to UKVI with your application until 5 November 2015.

Student visas

The most common visa for international students entering the UK is the Tier 4 student visa. This is a points-based system.

As a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points to qualify.

You can score:

• 30 points for having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, which you get for studying a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as a 'Tier 4 sponsor'), and for having acceptable English language skills; and

• 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs. Source: UKVI

Important note for Tier 4 Student Visa (without a pre-sessional)

UKVI has confirmed these changes do not affect you if you are entering directly at degree level or higher at an institution in the UK listed as Tier 4 Sponsors (previously known as Highly Trusted Sponsors). UK universities currently choose their own method of testing students’ English language ability and this will not change.

All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless your institution has required you to. You can register for a test here.

Professional advice and guidance by our counsellors

Our experienced counsellor will be able to provide advice and guidance throughout the UK student visa application process.

All visa applications to the UK should be submitted through the UK Visas and Immigration or one of its commercial partners (VFS Global and WorldBridge).

Our counsellors are experts in guiding students through the student application process. If you have any questions about student visas to enter the UK, contact us today.

Health and safety in the UK

All international students enrolled on a course for more than six months qualify for free medical treatment under the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which removes concerns over any potential healthcare bills and is a significant benefit of studying in the UK.

Support services

UK institutions have excellent support services, which include a dedicated international students office, international student societies, academic support, counselling support and personal tutors.

Health and wellbeing on campus

The campuses are alive and busy with lots of social and sporting activities. There are excellent sports facilities on or near to most university campuses and clubs and societies catering to a range of interests. This is an excellent way to meet students from the UK and around the world as well as learning about different cultures and lifestyles.